Chicken shawarma is a savory, aromatic dish that combines tender marinated chicken with bold spices, served in a warm pita or flatbread, and often topped with fresh vegetables and creamy sauces. This Middle Eastern classic has become a global favorite thanks to its vibrant flavors and satisfying, yet light, nature. Whether served as a wrap, in a salad, or alongside rice, chicken shawarma offers a burst of flavor with every bite.
The key to a delicious chicken shawarma lies in the marinade. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor. The marinade is made with a mix of ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander. The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with rich flavor. The chicken is left to marinate for a few hours, allowing the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
Once marinated, the chicken is typically grilled, roasted, or pan-fried until perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. The grilling adds a smoky depth to the flavors, making each bite incredibly flavorful. After cooking, the chicken is sliced into thin strips, showcasing its beautifully tender, spiced layers.
Shawarma is traditionally served in warm pita or flatbread, but you can also use lavash or tortillas for a different twist. It’s topped with a variety of ingredients such as fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce, adding a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the chicken. The dish is often drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or hummus, which complements the savory chicken with its smooth, nutty, and garlicky flavors.
Chicken shawarma is a versatile dish that can be customized with different toppings and sauces, allowing for endless variations. Whether served as a quick weeknight meal, a weekend dinner, or for a casual gathering, it’s sure to delight with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinate, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Serve the chicken shawarma with pita bread, veggies, and your favorite sauces.
Nutrition
This chicken shawarma was amazing! The flavors were perfect, and everyone loved it! 5 stars!
So glad to hear you loved it! Shawarma is the best! I could eat it every day! 😋
Soo good!!! Can I use chicken breasts instead? Just wondering!
I tried making this and it didn’t turn out great. The chicken was dry, and I forgot the garlic. Not sure if I did something wrong.